July 2009 Archives

I love analogies.  One analogy that is often used in the HR world is "recruiting is like dating."  There are just so many similarities.  But I'd like to take it a step further and note that "searching for a job is like dating."  How so?

Well, to be successful in dating, you need to put in a lot of work and effort.  But you also can't put too much dependence on the outcome of a conversation, date, etc.  You need to be present in the moment, have fun, and if you get a number or go on a second date that's just a bonus.

Similarly, successful job seekers need to put in a lot of effort and go on a lot of "dates" with companies.  But unfortunately, many job seekers put way too much dependence on the outcome of an informational interview.

I get it.  You want a job.  But you're not going to get a job by being all needy and clingy.  So you need to practice treating informational interviews for what they are -- an informational interview.  Leverage them to get more contacts.  And get more "dates."  The whole goal of networking is to "date" as many companies as you can.

This gives you power and choice.  You will never settle for a mediocre job again because you will know you have options.  And after some time, the companies you had really great "dates" with will start calling you when they have openings.  Trust me, this works...

Read this great blog by David Wygant, a well-respected dating coach in L.A. who has some great transferable advice.  Here's a brief excerpt: "So in dating and in all aspects of life, stop worrying about what the future holds. Stop worrying about "the big payoff" all the time and begin always being present in the moment. The more present you are, the better decisions you'll make and the richer every part of of your life will be."

Every so often I hear from a job seeker who claims to have literally sent out more than 1,000 resumes in the past year. 

While I am sympathetic, I am also amazed...  After trying ANYTHING 1,000 times and having a 0% success rate, wouldn't you realize something is wrong?  Wouldn't you seek guidance and help?

I read a great quote on Seth Godin's blog recently:

"If you use the same ineffective approach on one thousand people, it's not going to start working better just because you use it more often."

I couldn't have written it better myself. 

If you're putting in a lot of effort into your job search, and you're not having a lot of success, the problem is your approach.  Take a timeout and seek out a recruiter or career advisor and ask them for advice.  Tell them what you've been doing and be open to their suggestions.

You may realize that you only need to make a few small tweaks to see significant ROI!

This is a guest blog written by one of my best friends for more than a decade, Chris Wallace.  He is a natural networker. Friends at Syracuse jokingly called him the "mayor."  I'm fortunate to be working on an entrepreneurial pursuit with Chris right now, but even more lucky to have him as a close friend.

Guest Blog by Chris Wallace

A job interview starts the moment you walk in the door.  Most people accept that this is true, but do not always realize how much the first few moments in an office can affect your chances of being hired.

Recently, I was on a trip in the Midwest for a series of sales meetings with clients.  I was early for one of my appointments and settled into the waiting area when the receptionist struck up a conversation.  She asked where I was from, started telling me about her family, her 26 years with the company and how there is no loyalty left in the world.  Finally, she asked me what position I was interviewing for and who I would be seeing during my visit.  I explained that I was not an interview candidate and that her company was a client of mine.

The receptionist proceeded to divulge how the company has made her an integral part of the employee screening process.  When candidates arrive she strikes up a conversation and tries to catch glimpses into their personality and character.  Following the candidate's interview, the hiring managers ask for her impression of their demeanor and how the person would fit within the office.  Most candidates never had any clue that their interview started the minute they signed their name on the guest log.

While I will not argue that you can secure a job offer by sweet talking the front desk attendant, I do caution that this person can prevent you from getting that offer if you are not prepared.  A company can learn a lot about a person by the way they treat a receptionist, a mailroom clerk or the person who refills the water cooler.  If your attitude is condescending or overly confident, it can be a red flag that you are not a team player or might be unwilling to perform certain tasks.

The key to passing this part of the test is awareness.  Companies are not only evaluating you on your skills, but also how you will fit into their distinct culture.  If you are attentive and pleasant to each person you encounter during the interview process you will make an impression on the entire group, not just on the hiring manager or department staff.  

You must also make sure that these encounters are genuine.  If you are "turning on the charm" just to score points you will be as transparent as the flimsy plastic guest badge clipped to your suit jacket.  Be yourself, be courteous and be prepared that every minute you are in that office might be evaluated.

Curious about my own performance, I asked the receptionist if I met her standard.  Her reply..."The jury's still out."

Here is a great song from the 1980's by Rockwell to underscore the point that "everybody's watching" you.